Jewish Treats

Selichot

In addition to the unique prayer services of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the High Holidays are known for one other service: selichot. A collection of religious poems and verses, selichot…

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Jewish Treats

Symbolic Foods

Since Rosh Hashana is the Day of Judgment, it is customary to eat simanim*, foods with symbolic meanings that invoke God’s blessing. We also recite a short prayer before eating them.…

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Jewish Treats

Teshuva: To Where Are We Returning?

The process of introspection and repentance in order to accomplish transformation really begins a month before Rosh Hashana, with the advent of the Hebrew month of Elul. During this…

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Weekly Message,Vayeilech,Nitzavim

Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5784-2024

“Choosing Life” (updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald There’s something very distinctive about the arrival of the Jewish New Year. Whenever…

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Jewish Treats

Paying the Pledge

It is easy to pledge money to an organization. There are an astounding number of well-intentioned non-profits that send mailings or solicit donations over the phone or by email. There are…

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Jewish Treats

The Five Names of Rosh Hashana

In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashana has several names that can help us understand the importance and power of this holiday. Rosh Hashana, which begins two weeks from tonight, on Wednesday…

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Kee Tavo,Weekly Message

Kee Tavo 5784-2024

“Contemporary Implication of an Ancient Ritual” (updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5765-2005)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In our message for parashat Kee Tavo for…

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Jewish Treats

Putting Life Into Perspective

Consider moments during the past year that seemed, on the surface, to be particularly bleak, but in hindsight, when looking at the bigger picture, things turned out much better than…

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Jewish Treats

Swiss Jews

A Jewish presence in Switzerland can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Until the 19th century, Jews in Switzerland were restricted in both residence and employment. While there were…

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Weekly Message,Kee Teitzei

Kee Teitzei 5784-2024

“The Revolution that Started with a Fence” (updated from Kee Teitzei 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The extraordinary number of themes that are found in Parashat Kee Teitzei make…

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